Event Spotlight:Charge Encourage Investing in Smith, Not BarneyKelly Smith Figurine Banks Courtesy of Beneficial Saving Bank to be First Giveaway

Wednesday, April 2, 2003

By Greg WileyPhiladelphia Charge Correspondent

Philadelphia Charge fans will have the chance to invest their money in one of the world's best players, as the team announced today that the first giveaway of the season will come at the home opener on Saturday, May 3 when Kelly Smith Figurine Banks courtesy of Beneficial Savings Bank will be given out to the first 2,000 fans 16 and under. The Charge will be taking on the New York Power at 4 p.m. (ET) with the gates opening at 2:30 p.m.

The Kelly Smith Figurine Banks courtesy of Beneficial Savings Bank were created by Alliance Marketing and are the first ever created using a professional sports figure. Kelly is dressed in her Charge soccer uniform, holding a soccer ball and standing beside her locker. The locker part serves as the bank.

"Kelly is widely considered one of the best players in the world," general manager Tim Murphy said. "This giveaway serves as a tribute to her and her fans. This is a one of a kind item that we expect fans will enjoy."

During the 2002 WUSA season, Smith was leading the Charge and the league with four goals and three assists for 11 points when she tore her ACL on June 1 against San Jose. In her first season with the team, in 2001, Smith started 12 out of the 13 games, scored four goals and registered three assists. She is also a member of the English National team and has recently appeared in the Fox Spotlight movie production of "Bend it Like Beckham."

Philadelphia begins its 2003 campaign this Saturday, April 5 versus the San Jose CyberRays. The team will then face the Breakers in Boston on Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. before making their home debut on May 3 versus Tiffeny Milbrett and the NY Power at 4 p.m. For ticket information call the Philadelphia Charge office at 215-467-GOAL.